Cross-party support for deregulation of society lottery financial limits

An important Parliamentary debate (on the future of society lotteries, the Health Lottery and limits on prize values) took place on 12 December, the same day that the Gambling Commission announced forthcoming requirements intended to make it easier for consumers to understand where money raised from society lottery ticket sales goes.

The debate (that can be viewed on parliamentlive.tv and the Hansard transcript of which can be downloaded below) showed cross-party support for deregulation of society lottery financial limits. Support was given to the proposal by Sir Henry Bellingham MP for “the draw limit to be raised from £4 million to at least £10 million; the annual turnover limit to increase from £10 million to £100 million; and the prize limit to be raised to £1 million”.

Speaking towards the conclusion of the debate, DCMS Minister Tracey Crouch said that “society lotteries, both large and small, play a rich, varied and important role in supporting and championing good causes. For some, they may well be the mechanism for providing their main sources of income, and it is my intention to ensure that the sector has every opportunity to grow and thrive”.

The debate was welcomed by People’s Postcode Lottery Managing Director and Chair of the Lotteries Council, Jo Bucci, who said that it “marked a significant milestone for Peoples Postcode Lottery and the charity lottery sector. I’m pleased to see such widespread support behind the call to raise existing limits and caps in order for society lotteries to fulfil their full potential – the chance to do even more for good causes. A positive step forward on this important matter.”